Virginia shows dangers of 'tea'

We've just returned from vacation in Virginia and were struck by the number of campaign signs for the governor's race. As a former Republican (and a loyal one at that), I'm always saddened when I see a candidate commit "suicide by tea." The GOP must learn that if they want to win meaningful elections, they have to give the tea party a wide berth once the party's candidate has been secured.

This group of right-wing radicals has hijacked the primary system nationwide, and it's frightening to watch the fallout. While I respect the tea party's views in many instances, most of their rhetoric and dogma rub me (and most Americans) the wrong way. When folks like Lauren Durden admit that she was more excited to vote against Ken Cuccinelli II than for Terry McAuliffe, we may be looking at the demise of the two-party system altogether.

President Barack Obama campaigned in Virginia on behalf of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAulife claiming that if the Republicans putting as much energy into bolstering Obamacare that they were putting into delaying it, the program would be up and working ("Obama stumps for...